Senior Tax Associate

Title: Senior Tax Associate

Title: Senior Tax Associate

Reports to: Manager of Tax Performance

Location: KS/MO/OK/TX in-office preferred; Remote/Hybrid Eligible

About the Role

At PaulHood, we are transforming the mid-market CPA industry with an entirely new model. Our year-round membership model provides clients with expert tax and financial guidance, helping them feel more secure and realize their long-term financial goals. Founded 30 years ago by Paul Hood, our company has grown rapidly and now serves over 15,000 customers nationwide. To support our continued growth, we have completely modernized our business with technology and processes more akin to a SaaS company than a CPA firm.

In response to this growth, we are seeking a Senior Tax Associate to prepare complex tax returns for individuals and businesses, oversee junior staff contributions, and support technical problem-solving. This role plays a critical part in maintaining our high standard of tax accuracy, efficiency, and client experience.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in individual and business tax return preparation, tax research, staff mentorship, problem-solving, and client communication.

To do this well, you'll need to be a detail-oriented and technically strong preparer who can work independently, apply tax law with confidence, and support less experienced team members. You'll be solution-focused, comfortable handling complexity, and committed to ongoing learning and accuracy. You'll also need to demonstrate good judgment, discretion, and a genuine passion for client success.

What You Will Bring, Do, and Own

• Prepare complex individual and business tax returns independently and efficiently.
• Review financial documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Research complicated tax issues and communicate findings and alternatives.
• Respond to IRS/state notices that don't require full tax resolution services.
• Amend returns when needed and explain corrections in writing to clients or agencies.
• Provide guidance to Staff Preparers and assist in reviewing their returns.
• Review tax returns prepared by Staff Preparers as directed by the Client Success Manager
• Assist with resolving e-file errors and basic software-related problems
• Train and support junior staff through informal mentorship and department training sessions.
• Inform clients about the tax preparation process and gather outstanding documentation.
• Develop general knowledge of trust, estate, gift tax, and nonprofit returns.
• Understand and apply basic concepts of tax accruals and deferred tax.
• Build and maintain positive client relationships, promoting retention and referrals.
• Accurately track and record billable time and complete all checklist items.
• Maintain a billable percentage of 75% each quarter.
• Conduct client facing tax planning meetings

Experience and Education You Will Need

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or completion of a tax preparation training program highly preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in tax preparation required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Experience reviewing or mentoring others in tax preparation is a plus.
• IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) certification or commitment to complete within 1 year of employment
• Spanish language competency is a bonus

Who You Are

• You have extensive knowledge of individual and business tax concepts and confidently apply them.
• You're highly accurate, organized, and able to manage complexity independently.
• You're comfortable preparing complex returns without supervision and spotting potential issues.
• You think critically, troubleshoot problems, and know when to escalate technical challenges.
• You are committed to continued learning and development, including emerging tax topics.
• You collaborate well with others and enjoy supporting the growth of your team.
• You manage your time and workload effectively in a fast-paced environment
• You demonstrate sound judgment, uphold confidentiality, and maintain professional standards.

What's In It For You

You will join a forward-thinking team that is reshaping the future of the tax and accounting industry. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, our gender-balanced leadership group reflects our belief in the power of varied perspectives to drive innovation. You'll align with an organization that helps its clients optimize their financial health, enabling them to keep more, save more, and protect more of their money so they can use it for the things they care about most.

In addition to the inherent satisfaction of aligning with a business that is changing the lives of thousands of people, you will receive stock options to align your rewards with the success of the company. Importantly, you'll be part of a team that prioritizes trust, collaboration and having fun. We work hard and value rest. (Incumbent will be granted a generous allowance of time off per year, in addition to our 19 company holidays.)

In addition, our benefits package includes:

• Bonus Opportunity
• Stock Options
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package
• 401k Program with Company Matching
• Paid Volunteer Days
• Educational/Personal Growth Reimbursement

EEO and Diversity Statement

PaulHood is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, compensate, develop, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic or activity in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please tell us.

At PaulHood, we champion a vibrant workplace culture that thrives on diversity, and we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. We are one team from many backgrounds, innovating through diversity of individuals, who are driven by a passion for creating an inclusive space for all. Believing a culture of equality creates a stronger work environment for all employees and that we are all accountable for encouraging and celebrating diverse voices, PaulHood will continue to champion a workplace culture that prizes diversity and inclusivity.